“Forget the glass slippers, this princess wears cleats.”- Anonymous

Goodbye is not just an ending, as each goodbye signals a new beginning, a new path on which to travel. This is the case for senior Alison Krizmanich, who is beginning her final season on the Paint Branch Varsity Softball Team. Alison has played for the PB varsity softball team ever since her freshman year, and this year marks the bittersweet farewell between her and her teammates as she moves on to bigger and better things at West Virginia University.

Softball has been a part of Alison’s life ever since she was a young girl, and it has been the source of countless memories. Recalling her freshman year, Alison replays one of her favorite softball memories, PB’s walk-off win against Gaithersburg.  She recalled being down for much of the game and just when it seemed that they might drop the game, “We all worked as a team to come back and win after we were down by about three or four runs.”

Her softball career can be described as a journey. One aspect that sets her apart from other players is her experience in the sport. Working her way up from a recreational league, to playing varsity softball as a freshman, to becoming the star of an elite travel softball program, Alison shines as a hardworking and dedicated player. “My primary goal is to be the best player, teammate, and athlete I can be,” she says.

Softball takes dedication, sacrifice, and the willingness to get up after being knocked down. It isn’t uncommon to be required to give up your social life for practices or games. Parties are missed and time, otherwise spent hanging out with friends, is spent running laps, taking swings off a tee, or working hard to improve oneself as an overall athlete. It also isn’t uncommon to leave the field with bumps and bruises or, sometimes, injuries that are a bit more serious. Last fall, Alison tore the meniscus in her right knee. For a while, she was able to play through the pain but, when it became unbearable, surgery was the only option. Describing the long process, Alison explained, “I had knee surgery two days before Christmas to repair it and finally got cleared to play again in the middle of February.” In fact, knee surgery did not stop her, as Alison is back to her old ways of slugging the ball and gunning down runners trying to steal second.

Alison is looking forward to attending West Virginia University next fall. Other schools she considered included the University of Pittsburgh and Dusquesne University; however, like softball, West Virginia ran in the family. Her dad, West Virginia alumni, was a major influence on her when she made her decision. At West Virginia, Alison aims to stay on top of her work and hopefully make the Dean’s List. Her love of sports will carry over to college, where she will major in athletic training. In expressing her interests, Alison states, “I am majoring in athletic training because I have always loved sports, and I can’t see myself doing anything different.” After college, she hopes to get her masters and, eventually, a good job in her field of study.

A captain is defined as someone who sacrifices the glory of oneself for the betterment of her team; someone who represents her team with pride, respect, and leadership. “This is the second year Ali has been the varsity softball captain. She has shown leadership both on and off the field. This year alone she has hit two homeruns-including a grand slam. She is an asset to the team and I will truly miss her next year,” states Coach Street. Knowing Alison, her hard work and dedication to everything she sets her mind to will take her above and beyond any expectations she sets for herself.